New tennis complex discussed at workshop

CARLSBAD — Members of the city’s tennis community came out in force Feb. 5 to discuss the possibility of an organized tennis program at the city’s newly renovated tennis facility.
Last October, the city added seven new tennis courts to the three existing ones at Poinsettia Park, making the facility the largest public tennis complex in the city. The renovations included a new walkway, shade structure and spectator seating.
Now the city is trying to figure out how the community wants to see the facility run.
The workshop, held at the Carlsbad Senior Center Auditorium, drew 65 members of the tennis community. Many of those in attendance said they were surprised at the large response.
“There are really two opinions,” said Dominic Archdale, a local resident who has been a member of San Diego Tennis Network for several years. “There are those who would like to see open play, and those who would like to see more organized play.”
The organized play could consist of clinics, lessons, tournaments league play and social activities, said Mick Calarco, recreation services manager for the city of Carlsbad.
The consensus from the workshop, he said, was that most attendees wanted to see some sort of “comprehensive program.”
“The vast majority wanted organization,“ Calarco said. “They wanted to see social play, tournaments and the youth involved.”
The city is open to exploring the possibility of a community partner as well, he said.
“We think if we could come up with a partnership, that money could go back into the tennis community,” Calarco said.
Calarco said that the master plan for the park includes a pro shop and community center. “These are all things slated for the park … but waiting for the capital from the city, could take some time,” he said.
But still, Calarco said, there are those who would like to see the facility and court times remain open for play on a first-come, first-served basis, with a sign-up sheet for reservations.
The workshop attendees discussed how long those reservations should last, he said.
For now, he said, the next step is for the city to compile the feedback from the workshop and online responses, and put together a recommendation.
The recreation department is seeking public feedback via an online survey, which may be accessed at www.carlsbadca.gov/recreation.